Santons are traditionnally made of
clay, in the South of France (Provence). The label "santons"
may be used in other countries to name the Nativity characters.

The "santon de Provence"
was primarily used for Nativity cribs, but it has now turned into a collection
object... or souvenir for tourists. You can find many santon qualities
and many different characters. Nowadays santons makers tend to imagine
new situations and more modern characters. They also make them taller
and bigger. Nevertheless, the real "Santon de Provence" is still
dressed as people used to in the 19th century.

You can find small santons entirely
made of clay, or bigger santons dressed with real clothes. I personnally
collect only dressed santons, but I also have some nice examples of small
santons.